“The best part is when students really want to understand and when they succeed in their studies”
The World Teachers’ Day
On 5 October, we celebrate World Teachers' Day. It's not news that education and knowledge are important drivers of social development. But many teachers work quietly and do a fantastic job of teaching and inspiring students. Therefore, we want to highlight three of CBH School's dedicated teachers, who make a difference every day at work. For both students and society.
Anders Clenander
What subjects do you teach?
“I teach chemistry and mathematics in the Technical Preparatory Year and I have lab sessions in organic chemistry for the chemical engineering students.”
What's the best thing about being a teacher?
It's probably the energy you get from the students and the opportunity to meet their curiosity and eagerness to learn.
What is the biggest challenge of being a teacher today?
Society is evolving rapidly today, and it's important for education to keep up with these changes. However, I don't believe in completely discarding traditional methods – traditional classroom teaching can still be effective if done with passion and enthusiasm. New doesn't necessarily mean better than traditional, and there needs to be a balance.
Do you have any memorable moments from your teaching career?
During my internship at the Teacher Training College (Lärarhögskolan), a student exclaimed in a cordial tone after one of my lessons: ”Anders, I understood this when I arrived here today, but after your lesson, I understand nothing!"
Katarina Ståhl Kaltea
What subjects do you teach?
“I teach chemistry and mathematics in the Technical Preparatory Year and mathematics for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering students at the Chemical Engineering programme. I also participate in the labs of some chemistry courses for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
What's the best thing about being a teacher?
It's great to meet young people and get an insight into how they think. Every lesson is a new challenge, there are so many different ways to present the content. The best part is when students really want to understand and when they succeed in their studies.
What is the biggest challenge of being a teacher today?
Many things are moving faster in today's society, but it is difficult to accelerate learning. It takes time and requires focus and effort. The biggest challenge is getting students to want to learn, to want to spend time on their studies. There are so many other distractions.
Do you have any memorable moments from your teaching career?
A student I taught chemistry to in secondary school told me that she was going to have a 'cosy Friday'. A 'cosy Friday' for her was that she would spend the whole evening reading chemistry and listening to Tintin in French at the same time! Unbelievable!
Svante Granqvist
What subjects do you teach?
Currently a course in signals, sensors and transformers for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering students, later this year maths and physics at the Technical Preparatory year. Over the years there have been many courses in electronics, acoustics, signal processing, physics and maths. Outside KTH I also teach speech therapists about voice recording and sound analysis, and audio engineers about signal processing.
What's the best thing about being a teacher?
The best thing is when I feel that my teaching "takes", that it triggers thought processes that ultimately generate understanding.
What is the biggest challenge of being a teacher today?
To emphasise the subject I teach, that the important thing is one's own understanding and ability. Grades and exams are only a measurement tool, not an end in themselves. Home exams, online quizzes and AI generate temptations for students to take shortcuts that short-circuit learning. This is something you have to deal with.
Do you have any memorable moments from your teaching career?
One year I had to teach my electroacoustics course in English. The Swedish word "fjädring" appears there as a concept, but it took a while before I realised that "spring" and not "feather" is the right word to use in English.
Text: Åsa Karsberg
Photo: Jon Lindhe